Let’s take a look at an array of questions in our weekly Celtics mailbag. If you have questions about the Celtics or NBA, free agency or more email brobb@masslive.com or tweet @briantrobb
Odds Brad trades Horford for a young durable big? — Kenneth M
Zero percent. I would be shocked if Horford doesn’t retire as a Celtic at this point barring a serious injury or a huge production drop-off. The team is trying to take some onus off of him by acquiring Kristaps Porzingis but as long as Joel Embiid is around in the Conference, they will need him to slow him down in the postseason.
That’s not to say the Celtics won’t be looking for younger big man depth in the next year. They just won’t be trading Horford to acquire it, in my opinion.
$200 INSTANT BONUS
DRAFTKINGS MASS
BET $5, GET $200 BONUS BET
FANDUEL MASS
BET $50, GET $250 BONUS
CAESARS MASS
$1,000 FIRST-BET BONUS
BETMGM MASS
MA only. 21+. Gambling Problem? If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, please call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support. LiveChat with a GameSense Advisor at GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234
MA Gambling Helpline.
It feels like the Brogdon situation has been quiet all summer. Do you have a sense where he’s at health-wise and/or his relationship with the team? Thanks BRobb —Nick E
This will be a fascinating subplot throughout training camp. The team is insistent publicly and privately that Malcolm Brogdon will be healthy enough for camp. Joe Mazzulla signaled that rebuilding the relationship with Brogdon is a work in progress after the failed trade to the Clippers but that’s an understandable situation given how little time has passed. Getting back on the court should help heal some of those wounds once the season begins but there is certainly a tough spot for Brogdon one year after he chose to go to Boston. He’s set for another big role this season off the bench but it might be a little tougher for him to sacrifice so willingly knowing the team was close to moving him.
Hello Brian, do you think it’s more prudent for the team to keep the 15th roster spot open, or to sign a big man like Blake for depth & insurance reasons? Since they do have the traded player exception available, they could save a spot to use it at the deadline if they wish, also — Eddy FB
I think filling the 15th roster spot makes a lot of sense to give this group maximum depth with the injury question marks across the roster. Boston will always have the ability to salary dump a player (with cash) during the year to open up a roster spot, essentially if it’s someone on a non-guaranteed deal (a la Noah Vonleh or Justin Jackson last year). A similar path will likely be taken this year with that spot if it doesn’t go to Blake Griffin. Brad Stevens spoke very highly of him this past week so the door is likely open for a return for him if he decides to play next season.
Did the Celtics know about Porzingis injury before they extended his contract? — Kevin OB
They did not according to Brad Stevens. That’s a situation that was uncovered as Porzingis was prepping for the FIBA World Cup overseas. It sounds like the Celtics training staff was on hand for the treatment though and everyone is signaling he will be good to go for training camp in October.
Will I ever get over the Marcus Smart trade? —GhostofQuincy
Check back in May or June.
With the Svi signing, I think that’ll put us around 2ish mil before the super tax apron. What do you think about Brad cutting loose Banton with only 200k guaranteed to him, and going after a more established vet like Warren, Oubre, Wood, Stevens for the 14th roster spot? — Gage W
It’s hard to see more proven guys like Oubre and Wood picking Boston at this stage. They surely want bigger roles than the Celtics can give them so they are probably biding their team in case a big trade (Lillard?) opens up opportunity elsewhere.
I don’t think it’s a sure thing Banton makes the roster but he will have a chance to play for a spot like anyone else in camp. With TJ Warren, I’m not necessarily a fan of giving him a guaranteed deal given the Suns let him walk for nothing. Lamar Stevens couldn’t play postseason minutes for the Cavs last year either due to his offensive limitations. I wouldn’t mind either of those guys on a non-guaranteed or partially guaranteed deal but wouldn’t clear any spots out for them otherwise.
- Highly anticipated sportsbooks like BetMGM Massachusetts, along with Caesars Sportsbook Massachusetts have been live since Spring of 2023. New players can use promo codes like the FanDuel Massachusetts promo code and the DraftKings Massachusetts promo.
